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Updated: Jul 6, 2026
06:59
Catheter-based Endovascular Angioplasty for Fibrosing Mediastinitis-associated Pulmonary Vein Stenosis
Published on: August 26, 2025
Update on vena cava filters
Teresa L Carman1, Alaa Alahmad
1Section of Vascular Medicine, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Desk S-60, Cleveland, OH 44145, USA. tcarmanmd@aol.com
Current Treatment Options in Cardiovascular Medicine
|March 8, 2008
Summary
Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters prevent pulmonary embolism in high-risk patients. Decisions on IVC filter placement and removal require careful, individualized assessment due to potential complications.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Interventional Radiology
- Cardiology
Background:
- Inferior vena cava (IVC) filter placement has significantly increased.
- Filters are used to prevent pulmonary embolism (PE) in patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE) and contraindications to anticoagulation.
- Expanding indications, including primary prophylaxis, contribute to increased filter use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the indications, use, and complications of IVC filters.
- To discuss the role of retrievable IVC filters.
- To emphasize individualized decision-making for filter placement and retrieval.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature and clinical practice guidelines regarding IVC filter use.
- Discussion of FDA-approved permanent and retrievable IVC filters.
- Analysis of complications associated with IVC filter placement and retrieval.
Main Results:
- Eleven IVC filters are FDA-approved for permanent deployment; two are optionally retrievable.
- Complications include procedural issues, device-related problems, and secondary VTE.
- Anticoagulation should be initiated or resumed once safe to prevent recurrent VTE.
Conclusions:
- IVC filter use has risen, driven by expanded indications.
- Retrievable filters offer an option for temporary protection.
- Individualized patient assessment is crucial for optimal IVC filter management.
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